ATTENTION PARENTS: How To Talk To Your Children About Tragic Events

FROM PBS: Talking about the news with kids happens in everyday moments. Children ask
questions in the car on the way to school, in between pushes on the swings, and
just when you're trying to rush out the door. In one breath, they'll ask about a
range of topics — from the weather to the president to the latest war. And when
difficult questions come up, parents wonder how to respond.

To help the conversation along, this article offers flexible suggestions for
answering kids' questions about the news. There is no script to follow but these
strategies can help you tune in to what your child is thinking and feeling and
talk it through together.

Start by finding out what your child knows. When a news
topic comes up, ask an open-ended question to find out what she knows like "What
have you heard about it?" This encourages your child to let you know what she is
thinking.

Ask a follow up question. Depending on your child's
comments, ask another question to get him thinking, such as "Why do you think
that happened?" or "What do you think people should do to help?"

Explain simply. Give children the information they need to
know in a way that makes sense to them. At times, a few sentences are enough. "A
good analogy is how you might talk about sex," adds Nancy Carlsson-Paige, Ed. D.
"You obviously wouldn't explain everything to a 5-year-old. Talking about
violence and safety is similar."

Listen and acknowledge. If a child talks about a news event
(like a local robbery or kidnapping) and is worried,recognize her feeling and
comfort her. You might say "I can see you're worried, but you are safe here.
Remember how we always lock our doors." This acknowledges your child's feelings,
helps her feel secure, and encourages her to tell you more.

Offer reassurance. When a child is exposed to disturbing
news, she may worry about her safety. To help her calm down, offer specific
examples that relate to her environment like, "That hurricane happened far away
but we've never had a hurricane where we live." Actions speak louder than words
— so show your child how you lock the door if she gets scared by a news report
about robbers, point out the gutters and storm drains if a hurricane story
causes fear, and explain what the security guards do at the airport after a
story about terrorists.

Tailor your answer to your child's age. The amount of
information children need changes age by
age. "A kindergartner may feel reassured simply knowing a hurricane is
thousands of miles away. An older child may want to know how hurricanes could
affect the place where he lives and may want to know what is being done to help
those in need. Both ages will be reassured by doing something to help," notes
Jane Katch, M.S.T., author of Under Deadman's Skin: Discovering the Meaning
of Children's Violent Play.

KHQ.COM - The National Council for Home Safety and Security has released the safest cities in Washington for 2018... and Spokane did not impress. To determine the order of the ranking the Council used data on the number of reported violent crimes and property crimes for every thousand people and also reviewed the most recent FBI Uniform Crime report. Spokane ranked almost dead last coming in at number 79 (there were only 80 cities on the list).

KHQ.COM - The National Council for Home Safety and Security has released the safest cities in Washington for 2018... and Spokane did not impress. To determine the order of the ranking the Council used data on the number of reported violent crimes and property crimes for every thousand people and also reviewed the most recent FBI Uniform Crime report. Spokane ranked almost dead last coming in at number 79 (there were only 80 cities on the list).

KENT, Wash. - Kent police said they arrested a man Wednesday morning who was seen on surveillance video early Tuesday breaking into a bikini barista stand and abducting the barista at knifepoint before trying to rape her outside. The arrest was made after investigators received multiple tips identifying the suspect.

KENT, Wash. - Kent police said they arrested a man Wednesday morning who was seen on surveillance video early Tuesday breaking into a bikini barista stand and abducting the barista at knifepoint before trying to rape her outside. The arrest was made after investigators received multiple tips identifying the suspect.

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. - A two-month investigation into criminal activity at the Red Top Motel in Spokane Valley resulted in a massive raid and the arrest of 8 people early Tuesday morning. The Red Top Motel has had more than 100 calls for service since the beginning of the year, with many of those calls resulting in the arrest of known criminals who commonly traffic in drugs and stolen property.

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. - A two-month investigation into criminal activity at the Red Top Motel in Spokane Valley resulted in a massive raid and the arrest of 8 people early Tuesday morning. The Red Top Motel has had more than 100 calls for service since the beginning of the year, with many of those calls resulting in the arrest of known criminals who commonly traffic in drugs and stolen property.

SPOKANE, Wash. - The two accused of a string of purse snatchings over the weekend appeared in court Tuesday afternoon. Prosecutors said they’re planning on filing more charges against them after getting word that one of the victims might not walk again due to her injuries. Police say Katie Kinney and Trystan Clark were arrested for the purse snatchings. One of their victims included 75-year-old Kathy Kohlieber. She’s in the hospital for a broken pelvis....

SPOKANE, Wash. - The two accused of a string of purse snatchings over the weekend appeared in court Tuesday afternoon. Prosecutors said they’re planning on filing more charges against them after getting word that one of the victims might not walk again due to her injuries. Police say Katie Kinney and Trystan Clark were arrested for the purse snatchings. One of their victims included 75-year-old Kathy Kohlieber. She’s in the hospital for a broken pelvis....

SPOKANE, Wash. - Randall and Jill Kimberling didn’t think it would happen to their child. But on February 4 their four-year-old son, Levi, started to fill ill. “We were the parents who looked at him and said ‘that wouldn’t happen to our child. He’s super healthy and super energetic’,” said Randall. “To watch him lay there and not move is hard.” By February 5, Levi’s fever reached 99 degrees.

SPOKANE, Wash. - Randall and Jill Kimberling didn’t think it would happen to their child. But on February 4 their four-year-old son, Levi, started to fill ill. “We were the parents who looked at him and said ‘that wouldn’t happen to our child. He’s super healthy and super energetic’,” said Randall. “To watch him lay there and not move is hard.” By February 5, Levi’s fever reached 99 degrees.

KHQ.COM - When you party with Jay-Z, just make sure you don't get stuck with the bill. During a night out in Manhattan, he reportedly racked up a tab totaling $91,135 (tip included) at one bar! How much of that was a tip? $11,100! Which means his server Dayhana is probably the most grateful the rapper chose to celebrate at the Playroom Lounge in NYC.

KHQ.COM - When you party with Jay-Z, just make sure you don't get stuck with the bill. During a night out in Manhattan, he reportedly racked up a tab totaling $91,135 (tip included) at one bar! How much of that was a tip? $11,100! Which means his server Dayhana is probably the most grateful the rapper chose to celebrate at the Playroom Lounge in NYC.